Did they tell you what hernia you have Ian, any operation will depend on where it is and how much it effects your daily activities. It maybe a case of watch and wait Ian.
I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia 10 years ago, thankfully it doesn't give me any problems. They recently thought I had an inguinal hernia, but decided it wasn't, this would have explained my other problem.
As for the embarrassment, don't worry about it. I've bared all many times now, female and male doctors examining my bits.
It's when you wake up from an
anesthesia wearing tight netting see through pants, and then you realise the nurses must have put you in them while you were asleep, sort of put's a smile upon one's face.